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At Frontline Animal Removal, we are always looking for the why behind a raccoon problem—not just the hole in the roof. When Ryan shows up to a property in Stark, Summit, or Portage County, he’s not just staring at shingles and soffits. He’s studying how the animal is getting to the roof in the first place, and this week’s inspection is a textbook example.
Following the Clues
We recently received a call about noises in the attic with suspected raccoon activity, so Ryan headed out to investigate.
Right away, one exterior feature grabbed his attention: a set of outdoor stairs leading up to a small landing. This is where the story begins.
The stairs, landing, and especially the railing are filthy—dark with dirt, oils, and raccoon prints. That grime isn’t random. It’s a roadmap. The raccoon has clearly been climbing the stairs, hopping onto the railing, and scaling the corner of the house to reach the roof.
Why this spot? Easy access. And raccoons almost always choose the easiest path.
The Perfect Climbing Setup
Just below the roofline at this corner is a downspout with an elbow. That elbow sticks out just enough to serve as a foothold or launch point. Between the railing, the corner trim, and the downspout, the raccoon practically has a ladder.
Ryan knows that if a raccoon can make something easier on itself, it will. The dirt on the railing confirms this landing is part of the regular travel route. You don’t need to guess when the evidence is literally smeared along the structure. Take a look:
Trap Placement: Let the Animals Tell You Where
One of the biggest challenges in wildlife control is not just finding an entry hole—it’s understanding how the animal moves. Trap placement works best when you set traps in the travel path, not just near where damage is visible.
In this situation, the stair landing is ideal:
- The animals are using it consistently
- It’s easy to access for check-ins
- It requires no ladders or roof work
- It minimizes disturbance to the home
By starting here, Ryan puts the odds of success in his favor without overcomplicating the setup.
The Entry Hole: Harder to See, But It’s There
The homeowner suspects activity in the attic, and Ryan confirms there is, in fact, an entry point. It’s not at the corner where the raccoons climb up—that’s just the access route to the roof.
The actual entry is way up high—at a dormer near the roof peak. Without knowing where to look, most people would miss it. Even from the ground, it’s tough to spot. In the video above, Ryan points it out for viewers.
Could he put a trap directly at that dormer? Sure. It would probably work very well. But reaching it means ladders, staging, and extra setup time. There’s nothing wrong with keeping it that simple—later.
Start Smart. Adapt as Needed.
Ryan’s approach is straightforward and effective:
- Begin trapping at the landing where activity is obvious
- Watch how the animals respond
- Add or adjust traps only if needed
There’s no reason to complicate things right out of the gate. Starting with the most accessible travel route almost always produces results. If the raccoons change their behavior, the trapping strategy can change with them.
Great Visual Signs in This Case
This inspection makes for a strong teaching example because it highlights several classic raccoon indicators:
- Dirty railings and travel streaks
- Wear patterns on stairs and corners
- Strategic climbing aids like downspouts
- Entry points in high, protected roof transitions
Even if you’re not sure where a raccoon is entering, the path up to the roof is usually the giveaway.
Need Raccoons Removed the Right Way?
At Frontline Animal Removal, we combine visual inspection, tracking signs, and practical trapping strategy to remove wildlife as efficiently as possible. If you suspect raccoons in your attic—or just notice unusual dirt marks or roof activity—we can inspect, trap, and repair the issue before more damage is done.
Serving Canton, Akron, Kent, and the surrounding areas in Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties, we’re ready to help you reclaim your space—starting from the ground up.